English II: Sophomore English The Novel (semester 1)
English II: Sophomore English Poetry and Drama (semester 2)
Welcome. I'll post items so the most recent is closest to the top. Look for attached files, hot links, and recap of assignments here. Be sure to email me directly if you can't find what you're looking for: jamie_gillette@fivetowns.net
iCal address
White 1:
webcal:seneca.fivetowns.net/calendars/English%20W1.ics Red 2:
webcal://seneca.fivetowns.net/calendars/English%20R2.ics
Semester 2: Poetry and Drama
Sophomore Final Exam – Study Guide
Out of class before exam period: Part 1: Poem Creation, Revision, and Analysis Worth 50 points Choose one poem created during the unit to revise carefully. Make it the best possible poem using poetic techniques. Then write a thoughtful essay (800+ words) that addresses:
How you created the original poem
What steps you took to revise
Explicate your poetic techniques (use of diction, stanza breaks, tone, figurative language, alliteration, rhyme, choice of title, epigraph…to make your poem meaningful)
Attach the following documents together in this order:
Final draft (typed – indicate if you are unwilling to have it posted – with or without name)
Essay (typed or handwritten)
Original draft
Revision worksheet
It is due no later than the beginning of class 6/11 (R2) or 6/12 (W1). Late work will receive a ZERO. Remember school-issued laptops will begin collection 6/10.
GRADING RUBRIC FOR PART 1 Original Thinking
Poem represents fully-realized work, richly developed and of appropriate length
Final draft demonstrates development, improvement, and polish
Support, Details, and Evidence
Reflection on process of development is detailed and reveals thoughtful efforts
Essay includes details from the process of creation and discussion of conscious use of poetic technique
Organization and Clarity
Includes all required portions of the assignment
Demonstrates grammatical and mechanical accuracy
Grading: A Work surpasses some/all criteria, demonstrates superior thoughtfulness B Work capably meets all criteria C Work meets some of the criteria D/F Criteria has not been met
In-class during exam period:
Part 2: Poetry Short Answer Worth 30 points
I will read aloud a new poem. You will answer questions (multiple choice and short answer) requiring basic understanding of the poem and application of poetry vocabulary words. (e.g. “How is the connotation of the word ‘battered’ important to the poem?”) You will also write a well-developed paragraph explicating the poem’s meaning with special attention to tone and theme.
Part 3: Matching Worth 20 points
You will match words from The Odyssey, Macbeth, and Poetry unit lists with provided definitions.
This Keynote presentation includes both dialogue rules, the four components of the Personal Narrative writing, and THE RUBRIC for the final graded work.
Works Cited info not included on golden unit guide:
Walker, Craig F. The Pulitzer Prize 2010 Feature Photography. Web.
Ziegenfuss, Chuck, Trueman Muhrer, and Colby Buzzell. "302: Strangers in a Strange Land" This American Life, 15
Nov. 2005. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.
HOMEWORK for 11/26 (W1) or 11/27 (R2) - Veteran's Interview
Go to the Pulitzer Prize website to see Craig F. Walker's 2012 Pulitzer Prize winning photoessay,
Welcome Home, the Story of Scott Ostrom
"...his compassionate chronicle of an honorably discharged veteran, home from Iraq and struggling with a severe case of post-traumatic stress, images that enable viewers to better grasp a national issue."
1. Choose one photo from the photoessay.
2. Copy and paste this image along with its caption into a word processing document.
3. Make notes on an analysis of the composition of the image, and how all the elements of the image affect the purpose of the photo. How can PROXIMITY, ALIGNMENT, REPETITION, CONTRAST, and FOCUS be used to understand the composition of the image? How do the SPEAKER, AUDIENCE, and CONTENT reveal the PURPOSE of the image? How does the caption extend the argument made by the image?
4. Polish these notes into one well-developed paragraph (use strong topic and conclusion sentences!), 250-300 words. This should NOT just summarize the story of the photo, but how the photo works to communicate its purpose. This paragraph due in class 11/16 (R2) or 11/19 (W1).
Here is the in-class presentation with a model paragraph over a photo from a different Pulitzer-Prize winning photo essay:
HOMEWORK for 11/14 (R2) or 11/15 (W1): Follow this link to the Radio segment "Strangers in a Strange Land" from This American Life.
This American Life
Listen to the story (hit the arrow shape below the picture) and make notes of at least four direct connections you make between the stories told in the blogs and the themes we've been discussing in class. Record specific details, quotes if possible. I will collect these notes during the next class.
(You can read a transcript of the whole show - the part you're listening to is the second half, so scroll down) at this link: "Strangers in a Strange Land" transcript
War Story Unit - make sure you view the page for the correct class (Red 2 or White 1)
Go to the Pulitzer Prize website to see Craig F. Walker's photoessay
"For his intimate portrait of a teenager who joins the Army at the height of insurgent violence in Iraq, poignantly searching for meaning and manhood."
1. Choose one photo from the photoessay.
2. Copy and paste this image along with its caption into a word processing document.
3. Make notes on an analysis of the composition of the image, and how all the elements of the image affect the purpose of the photo. How can PROXIMITY, ALIGNMENT, REPETITION, CONTRAST, and FOCUS be used to understand the composition of the image? How do the SPEAKER, AUDIENCE, and CONTENT reveal the PURPOSE of the image? How does the caption extend the argument made by the image?
4. Following more discussion of the principles of visual literacy next class, you will need to polish these notes into one well-developed paragraph (use strong topic and conclusion sentences!), 250-300 words.
Consider the lessons we've been taught by positive role models (Odysseus) as well as negative role models (Macbeth). Connect with a hero of your choosing from any fiction or non-fiction book or movie to consider the ways these characters work within their historical contexts to encourage certain moral lessons.
Independent Reading Project - Analyzing writer's craft and creating fan fiction
Expectations for review of Fan Fiction
Qualifying reviews will be 5+ sentences addressing the following elements:
What was a strength and weakness of the plot of the new episode?
What was a strength and weakness of writing style of the new episode?
What is your general response to the piece as a whole?
You will be choosing novel-length fiction to read during our independent reading time during class as well as outside of class over the holiday vacation. My only expectation is that it is at or above your reading level and that it engages you as being high-interest. I would prefer it not be a book you’ve read before, but see me if you have a compelling reason to reread an old favorite.
We’ll do specific in-class exercises to understand your author’s writing style and deliberate use of literary devices. We’ll pull out specific favorite sentences in the writing and write using the same grammatical construction. And we’ll finish the quarter by writing a longer piece of original fiction in the style of our author by creating a new prologue, interchapter, parallel universe chapter, or epilogue that would fit seamlessly into the novel’s storyline. This kind of work is called FAN FICTION and we’ll publish this work on the fanfiction.net site.
Visit Fan Fiction to browse the variety of books about which fan fiction has been written.
You will then solicit five or more friends or family to read your work and write a review on this site responding to your efforts. This work will be due JANUARY 11, 2012.
Fill out the following ELECTRONIC JOURNAL LOG to record a significant sentence from your Independent reading and write your own sentence by adopting that author's style.
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
In-class 12/1: Visit Tag Galaxy - enter "wedding" as your tag to see a collection of photos pulled from Flickr relating to different aspects of marriage. You'll have to select subgroups to narrow down the search; choose as you like. Select three photos representing different views toward marriage. Connect what attitudes these images demonstrate about wedding traditions to your own image of "wedding" and write a 50+ word response commenting on how these different perspectives connect.
EULOGY FOR SANTIAGO NASAR Write a eulogy for Santiago Nasar from the first person point of view of one member of his community. You will deliver this eulogy orally to class or record it as a podcast using iMovie. 2-3 minutes in length.
English II: Sophomore English The Novel (semester 1)
English II: Sophomore English Poetry and Drama (semester 2)
Welcome. I'll post items so the most recent is closest to the top. Look for attached files, hot links, and recap of assignments here. Be sure to email me directly if you can't find what you're looking for:
jamie_gillette@fivetowns.net
iCal address
White 1:webcal:seneca.fivetowns.net/calendars/English%20W1.ics
Red 2:
webcal://seneca.fivetowns.net/calendars/English%20R2.ics
Semester 2: Poetry and Drama
Sophomore Final Exam – Study Guide
Out of class before exam period:Part 1: Poem Creation, Revision, and Analysis Worth 50 points
Choose one poem created during the unit to revise carefully. Make it the best possible poem using poetic techniques. Then write a thoughtful essay (800+ words) that addresses:
- How you created the original poem
- What steps you took to revise
- Explicate your poetic techniques (use of diction, stanza breaks, tone, figurative language, alliteration, rhyme, choice of title, epigraph…to make your poem meaningful)
Attach the following documents together in this order:- Final draft (typed – indicate if you are unwilling to have it posted – with or without name)
- Essay (typed or handwritten)
- Original draft
- Revision worksheet
It is due no later than the beginning of class 6/11 (R2) or 6/12 (W1). Late work will receive a ZERO. Remember school-issued laptops will begin collection 6/10.GRADING RUBRIC FOR PART 1
Original Thinking
- Poem represents fully-realized work, richly developed and of appropriate length
- Final draft demonstrates development, improvement, and polish
Support, Details, and Evidence- Reflection on process of development is detailed and reveals thoughtful efforts
- Essay includes details from the process of creation and discussion of conscious use of poetic technique
Organization and Clarity- Includes all required portions of the assignment
- Demonstrates grammatical and mechanical accuracy
Grading: A Work surpasses some/all criteria, demonstrates superior thoughtfulnessB Work capably meets all criteria
C Work meets some of the criteria
D/F Criteria has not been met
In-class during exam period:Part 2: Poetry Short Answer Worth 30 points
I will read aloud a new poem. You will answer questions (multiple choice and short answer) requiring basic understanding of the poem and application of poetry vocabulary words. (e.g. “How is the connotation of the word ‘battered’ important to the poem?”) You will also write a well-developed paragraph explicating the poem’s meaning with special attention to tone and theme.Part 3: Matching Worth 20 points
You will match words from The Odyssey, Macbeth, and Poetry unit lists with provided definitions.Poetry Unit
Poetry VocabularyPre-reading survey
Use the following link to record your responses to statements that will form the core of discussion during Macbethhttps://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEdZVzZpUW1hZU9odVI5bXJUemk4OWc6MA#gid=0
MACBETH VOCABULARY
Link for No Fear Shakespeare Macbeth
Odyssey Argument Writing
For 2/5 or 2/6 - Paragraph about Characterization through Visual technique
Odyssey Paragraph building
ODYSSEY VOCABULARY
The Odyssey. Dir. Andrei Konchalovsky. Perf. Amand Assante. Hallmark Home Entertainment, 1997. youtube.com. Web.
Semester 1: The Novel
MIDTERM EXAM Study Guide
This Keynote presentation includes both dialogue rules, the four components of the Personal Narrative writing, and THE RUBRIC for the final graded work.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian unit
Presentation on building the synthesis essay (Do all first-hand stories of war focus on the same themes?)
Works Cited info not included on golden unit guide:
Walker, Craig F. The Pulitzer Prize 2010 Feature Photography. Web.Ziegenfuss, Chuck, Trueman Muhrer, and Colby Buzzell. "302: Strangers in a Strange Land" This American Life, 15
Nov. 2005. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.
HOMEWORK for 11/26 (W1) or 11/27 (R2) - Veteran's Interview
HOMEWORK for 11/16 (R2) or 11/19 (W1)
Go to the Pulitzer Prize website to see Craig F. Walker's 2012 Pulitzer Prize winning photoessay,Welcome Home, the Story of Scott Ostrom
"...his compassionate chronicle of an honorably discharged veteran, home from Iraq and struggling with a severe case of post-traumatic stress, images that enable viewers to better grasp a national issue."
1. Choose one photo from the photoessay.
2. Copy and paste this image along with its caption into a word processing document.
3. Make notes on an analysis of the composition of the image, and how all the elements of the image affect the purpose of the photo. How can PROXIMITY, ALIGNMENT, REPETITION, CONTRAST, and FOCUS be used to understand the composition of the image? How do the SPEAKER, AUDIENCE, and CONTENT reveal the PURPOSE of the image? How does the caption extend the argument made by the image?
4. Polish these notes into one well-developed paragraph (use strong topic and conclusion sentences!), 250-300 words. This should NOT just summarize the story of the photo, but how the photo works to communicate its purpose. This paragraph due in class 11/16 (R2) or 11/19 (W1).
Here is the in-class presentation with a model paragraph over a photo from a different Pulitzer-Prize winning photo essay:
HOMEWORK for 11/14 (R2) or 11/15 (W1): Follow this link to the Radio segment "Strangers in a Strange Land" from This American Life.
This American LifeListen to the story (hit the arrow shape below the picture) and make notes of at least four direct connections you make between the stories told in the blogs and the themes we've been discussing in class. Record specific details, quotes if possible. I will collect these notes during the next class.
(You can read a transcript of the whole show - the part you're listening to is the second half, so scroll down) at this link:
"Strangers in a Strange Land" transcript
War Story Unit - make sure you view the page for the correct class (Red 2 or White 1)
All Quiet on the Western Front reading guide:
Vocabulary for War unit: note that White 1 has swapped 'inured' to be Part 1, and 'banal' to be Part 2 words
HOMEWORK for 10/16 (R2) or 10/19 (W1)
Go to the Pulitzer Prize website to see Craig F. Walker's photoessay"For his intimate portrait of a teenager who joins the Army at the height of insurgent violence in Iraq, poignantly searching for meaning and manhood."
1. Choose one photo from the photoessay.
2. Copy and paste this image along with its caption into a word processing document.
3. Make notes on an analysis of the composition of the image, and how all the elements of the image affect the purpose of the photo. How can PROXIMITY, ALIGNMENT, REPETITION, CONTRAST, and FOCUS be used to understand the composition of the image? How do the SPEAKER, AUDIENCE, and CONTENT reveal the PURPOSE of the image? How does the caption extend the argument made by the image?
4. Following more discussion of the principles of visual literacy next class, you will need to polish these notes into one well-developed paragraph (use strong topic and conclusion sentences!), 250-300 words.
Triangle Worksheet for use throughout unit
Things Fall Apart
Reading guide, including essay descriptor and rubric and vocabularyPresentation on building the Analysis essay.
Semester 2
POETRY
File below contains model poem explication over Sharon Olds' "The Victims" along with points to cover in your writing.POETRY VOCABULARY
MACBETH
Heroic Lessons Synthesis Essay
Consider the lessons we've been taught by positive role models (Odysseus) as well as negative role models (Macbeth). Connect with a hero of your choosing from any fiction or non-fiction book or movie to consider the ways these characters work within their historical contexts to encourage certain moral lessons.DRAMA VOCABULARY
Independent Reading Project - Analyzing writer's craft and creating fan fiction
Expectations for review of Fan Fiction
Qualifying reviews will be 5+ sentences addressing the following elements:What was a strength and weakness of the plot of the new episode?
What was a strength and weakness of writing style of the new episode?
What is your general response to the piece as a whole?
You will be choosing novel-length fiction to read during our independent reading time during class as well as outside of class over the holiday vacation. My only expectation is that it is at or above your reading level and that it engages you as being high-interest. I would prefer it not be a book you’ve read before, but see me if you have a compelling reason to reread an old favorite.
We’ll do specific in-class exercises to understand your author’s writing style and deliberate use of literary devices. We’ll pull out specific favorite sentences in the writing and write using the same grammatical construction. And we’ll finish the quarter by writing a longer piece of original fiction in the style of our author by creating a new prologue, interchapter, parallel universe chapter, or epilogue that would fit seamlessly into the novel’s storyline. This kind of work is called FAN FICTION and we’ll publish this work on the fanfiction.net site.
Visit Fan Fiction to browse the variety of books about which fan fiction has been written.
You will then solicit five or more friends or family to read your work and write a review on this site responding to your efforts. This work will be due JANUARY 11, 2012.
Fill out the following ELECTRONIC JOURNAL LOG to record a significant sentence from your Independent reading and write your own sentence by adopting that author's style.
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
by Gabriel Garcia MarquezIn-class 12/1: Visit Tag Galaxy - enter "wedding" as your tag to see a collection of photos pulled from Flickr relating to different aspects of marriage. You'll have to select subgroups to narrow down the search; choose as you like. Select three photos representing different views toward marriage. Connect what attitudes these images demonstrate about wedding traditions to your own image of "wedding" and write a 50+ word response commenting on how these different perspectives connect.
Chronicle Reading Guide:
Chronicle Vocabulary:
EULOGY FOR SANTIAGO NASAR
Write a eulogy for Santiago Nasar from the first person point of view of one member of his community. You will deliver this eulogy orally to class or record it as a podcast using iMovie. 2-3 minutes in length.